2018 - 2019 community impact report

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2018 - 2019 COMMUNITY IMPACT REPORT A L L E G A N C O U N T Y

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Page 1: 2018 - 2019 COMMUNITY IMPACT REPORT

2018 - 2019 COMMUNITY IMPACT

REPORT

A L L E G A N C O U N T Y

Page 2: 2018 - 2019 COMMUNITY IMPACT REPORT

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Who We Serve07. DCDP16.

Our Team04. Basic Needs12.

Our Mission & Values05. Access to Health13.

Our Partners06. Early Education14.

Letter from Leadership03. Financial Stability10.

Community Events08. Financial Summary19.

Page 3: 2018 - 2019 COMMUNITY IMPACT REPORT

Dear Friends,

What does it take to move an individual or family to a place of economic stability and security? What does it take to create and build adequate social and financial capital to get back up when life knocks you down?

At Community Action, we believe it takes all of us … the entire community working together with shared vision and purpose. Through advocacy, effective resource allocation, collaboration, investing in staff capacity, and leveraging local, state and national expertise … we deliver client centered services to generate social and economic progress for struggling families. 2019 was a fast-paced year at Community Action of Allegan County, we implemented new programs and enhanced our current services to address the causes and conditions of poverty.

Through continued partnership with USDA, the Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan, and Allegan County Commission on Aging, over 3,500 households at the greatest risk for food insecurity and health disparities, were provided nutritional supports necessary to thrive.

We grew our Dual Community Development Program (DCDP), graduating more than 38 students from the Pre-Apprentice Certification Training (PACT) program, providing a path to employment and family sustaining wage in the building trades and construction industry. In this report, you will read the story of Roger and Michelle Bird, a family whose life was transformed by the build and purchase of the first DCDP home in the City of Allegan.

Addressing issues of financial literacy was also a focus. With support from Allegan County United Way, we launched a family centered financial coaching program. As a component of our Early Education Services, 235 families participated in the program which included options for classroom instruction and peer-to-peer skill-building in the areas of credit repair, debt reduction, income maximization, and more. In this report you will meet, Chaela and Bailey, a young family who received individualized support empowering their family to achieve the goal of establishing an emergency savings account.

We are committed to addressing the causes and conditions of poverty—not just its symptoms. We partner with all sectors of the community to take a family centered approach; building the skills needed to achieve and maintain long-term stability. From financial and nutrition classroom education, to individualized case management across our programs we meet our families wherever they are on their journey to a brighter future.

Stability looks different for every person … each child, older adult, individual or family has a unique perspective; a set of life experiences, perceived barriers, and skills to build upon. The success of those we serve translates to success for the entire community. Without you … our friends, community partners, volunteers, and supporters … success would not be possible. Thank you for believing in the “Promise of Community Action” and for all the ways you have carried us forward in our quest of … Helping people and Changing lives.

Warmest Regards,

Lisa M. Evans Mike VanDenBergExecutive Director Chairman, Board of Directors

The success of those we serve translates to success for

the entire community. Without you … our friends,

community partners, volunteers, and supporters … success

would not be possible.”

Page 4: 2018 - 2019 COMMUNITY IMPACT REPORT

BOARD OF DIRECTORSMichael Van Den BergBoard Chairman - Public

Dean KapengaVice Chairman - Public

Lovedia J. StapTreasurer - Private

Carolyn JordanSecretary - Client

Linda Burton-CollierClient

Scott OwenPublic

Jim PitschPublic

Nicole RichmondPrivate

Laurie SchmittPrivate

Jim StoreyPublic

Carol DennisPrivate

Mimi GabrielPrivate

Linnea IsenhoffClient

Stacey Lucas-SouthwellClient

Sharon MartinClient

STAFF LEADERSHIP

Executive Director

LisaEvans

Director of Early Education

Sarah See

Chief Financial/Operating Officer

BrendaMolendyk

PAGE 4

OUR TEAMCommunity Action of Allegan County has a tripartite board structure to promote the participation of the

entire community in the reduction or elimination of poverty. The Board of Directors consists of elected

public officials, private sector representatives and low-income residents.

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HELP ING PEOPLE . CHANGING LIVES .PAGE 5

Community Action of Allegan County will serve, advocate,

and engage individuals, families and communities to overcome

the effects of poverty and encourage self-reliance.

Our Mission

CollaborationContinuous Improvement

Quality ServiceStewardship

Hope Dignity

Our Values

The Economic

Opportunity Act of 1964 authorized the

formation of local Community Action Agencies as part of the

War on Poverty under President Lyndon B. Johnson. Regulated

by the federal government, over 1,000 Community

Action Agencies exist.

Helping People.

Changing Lives.

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PAGE 6

OUR PARTNERSWe express deep gratitude and appreciation for the following organizations and their support.

Allegan Adult Education NetworkAllegan AdvantageAllegan Alternative EducationAllegan Area Educational Service Area (AAESA)Allegan County Area Technical Education CenterAllegan Commission on AgingAllegan County Community FoundationAllegan County Community Mental HealthAllegan County Continuum of CareAllegan County Department of Health & Human Services Allegan County Health DepartmentAllegan County Probation OfficeAllegan County Senior ServicesAllegan County SheriffAllegan County TransportationAllegan County Veterans ServicesAllegan Credit UnionAllegan District LibraryAllegan Economic Development CommissionAllegan Episcopal ChurchAllegan Medical ClinicAllegan Professional Health ServicesAllegan Public SchoolsAmerican Red CrossAmericorpArea Agency on Aging of West MichiganAssociation for the Blind and Visually ImpairedBaraga Manor ApartmentsBethany Christian ServicesBloomingdale Public SchoolsBorgess Family MedicineBorgess Medical CenterBridges of HopeBridgeport ApartmentsCenter for Women in TransitionChemical BankChristian NeighborsChurch of the Good ShepherdCity of AlleganCLEAResultCoats for Kids Consumers Energy Dorr StandardDorr Township LibraryEric R. Erickson, DDSEast Martin Christian Reformed ChurchEast Martin Christian SchoolsEly ManorFeeding AmericaFennville LibraryFennville Public SchoolsForever Curious Children’s MuseumGoodwill Industries of Southwest MichiganGrand RavineGreat Start CollaborativeGreat Start Readiness Program

Gryphon PlaceHand2HandHome Builders Association of MichiganHome Builders InstituteHonor Credit UnionHopkins Public SchoolsHuntington BankIntercareLakeshore Habitat for HumanityLee Township Community CenterLove, INCMartin Area Resource CenterMartin LibraryMartin Public SchoolsMediation ServicesMeijerMetro Health WaylandMichigan Career and Technical Institute (MCTI)My Community Dental Centers, Allegan (MCDC)Michigan Department of EducationMichigan Public Service CommissionMigrant Resource CouncilMichigan State PoliceMichigan State University (MSU) ExtensionLiving Waters Community ChurchOtsego District LibraryOtsego Public SchoolsOttawa Area ISDPathways, MIPeople Helping PeoplePerrigoPlainwell Adult EducationPlainwell Community SchoolsPlainwell LibraryPNC BankProject HopePullman IntercareSafe Harbor Children’s Advocacy CenterSherwood CoveSkilled to Build FoundationSTAR Family LiteracySylvia’s PlaceThe ARC of Allegan CountyThe Ecology CenterThe Right PlaceUnited Way of Allegan CountyVan Buren ISD, Project LeanVillage MarketWayland AmbulanceWayland Family DentistryWayland Public SchoolsWest Michigan Works!Western Michigan UniversityWoman, Infants, and Children (WIC)Wightman AssociatesWings of Hope Hospice

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HELP ING PEOPLE . CHANGING LIVES .PAGE 7

WHO WE SERVECommunity Action’s mission is to provide individuals and families in crisis, or those struggling above

the poverty line, with essential services to meet basic needs for food, housing, mobility and quality

education services; while supporting paths to self-sufficiency and self-reliance. Our services focus on

lifting families out of poverty and poverty prevention.

WHAT IS POVERTY?Poverty is the state or condition in which a person or family lacks the financial resources and daily

essentials necessary to enjoy a minimum standard of life or well-being. Poverty status in the United

States is assigned to people or families whose annual income and economic security is below a

threshold set by the Department of Health and Human Services.

In partnership with parents, Head Start and Early Head Start Programs provide valuable education and health services to children and families.

EARLY EDUCATION

36% of Allegan County residents are considered Asset-Limited, Income

Constrained, Employed (ALICE).

In other words, over 1/3 of our

county is working but still struggle

to make ends meet.- UnitedforAlice.org, 2020

Through our child health, dental and development screenings, we help make healthcare more accessible.

ACCESS TO HEALTH

Our Weatherization Program provides help in stabilizing a family’s budget and minimizing monthly utility expenses.

FINANCIAL STABILITY

DCDP students help construct homes that allow low-income families access to affordable and safe housing.

AFFORDABLE HOUSING

BASIC NEEDSWe provide food programs, emergency utility assistance, transportation, and referrals for families and individuals.

Our Dual Community Development Program provides Pre-Apprenticeship Certified Training (PACT), a nationally accepted certification.

SKILLED TRADES

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PAGE 8

I feel like a kid at

Christmas time again!

Two very nice ladies

brought a big blue bag

to my house and it was

FULL of gifts for me.

Someone spent hours

crocheting for me.”

STUFF THE BLUE GOOSEThrough a joint effort with Michigan State Police, gifts are collected from

generous shoppers at the Wal-Mart in Plainwell. Due to the generosity

of our community members and local businesses we were able to ensure

that 177 Allegan County children ages birth to teen had something

special awaiting them on Christmas morning!

SENIOR GIFT BAGSGift bags were given to 53 seniors who participate in our Home Delivered

Meals program. Individuals were chosen by our Senior Services department,

who know each participant well because of their daily contact with

them through their meal deliveries. Generous donations were made of

various items specific to senior needs by the community.

Living without heat is a dangerous reality for many Michigan

residents facing utility shut-offs. Choosing between paying the

heat bill and buying groceries is a choice no one should have

to make. According to Michigan 2-1-1, utility assistance

is the number one requested need (29.9%) from callers

looking for community resources in Allegan County.

To combat utility shut-offs, Community Action of

Allegan County held a Walk for Warmth 5k Run/Walk on

Saturday, March 16, 2019. The walk took place at the

Lynx Golf Course in Otsego.

Money raised from walker registration and sponsorship

support went directly to our Utility Assistance Program. The

program assists income eligible households by providing

payment for metered and deliverable fuel bills in order to avert a

household crisis.

WALK FOR WARMTH

HOLIDAY GIVING

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HELP ING PEOPLE . CHANGING LIVES .PAGE 9

This year’s Hearts and Hands Celebration took place Thursday, October 24th at the Laketown Golf

and Conference Center in Saugatuck. The evening featured community partner recognition, a silent

auction and the opportunity to support Community Action’s work in alleviating poverty.

HEARTS AND HANDS CELEBRATION

PARTNER AWARDSDORR STANDARDHead Start owns a fleet of 15, 30 passenger buses that are used daily to provide transportation to most

of our Head Start students. Community Action does not have a garage or mechanic on staff so we utilize

community partners. Thankfully for us, Dorr Standard has been our partner over the last several years. Rick

Damveld, leading the way, prioritizes our buses when we experience a breakdown, an oil change, or State

Police Inspections. Dorr also graciously stores our full fleet over the summer free of charge.

BRIDGEPORT APARTMENTSDan Camacho, Community Manager at Bridgeport

Apartments is not only a valued community partner,

he is a Head Start Advocate! Dan has taken it upon

himself to identify families living in the apartment

complex with children ages birth through

five, provided them program collateral and

informed them of the benefits in partnering

with Head Start. Dan has willingly allowed

our team to come onsite to host recruitment

events, encouraged participation by

knocking on doors, and requested ways he

could partner more.

PARKER HANNIFINParker Hannifin’s Fluid Systems Connectors

Division in Plainwell assisted us with our food

distribution program by organizing, bagging and

loading the delivery truck. Through their efforts, we

were able to efficiently supply hundreds of families with shelf

stable food. The team has been an adovicate and willing to share

their experience and build excitement with others to engage in volunteering with our program.

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PAGE 10

OUR IMPACT

16 homes safer and more energy efficient

The U.S. Department of Energy’s Weatherization

Assistance Program (WAP) reduces energy costs for

low-income households by increasing a home’s energy

efficiency while ensuring a family’s health and safety. This

program is the single largest residential energy efficiency program

in the United States. Our local administration of the WAP supports a

national industry; producing new jobs and technologies, while

supporting the health and wellness of the most vulnerable families in

Allegan County.

ABOUT OURWEATHERIZATION PROGRAM

Combining the population of households in poverty with ALICE, equals the

total population struggling to afford basic needs in our county. Even

with at least one person in the household working, 37% of

households in Allegan County don’t earn enough to reach

the basic survival threshold. Our Weatherization Program

provides help in stabilizing a family’s budget and

minimizing monthly utility expenses.

FINANCIAL STABILITY

16% AVERAGE SAVINGS IN ENERGY COSTS PER HOME.

185 people received energy

efficiency education

$307yearly savings

per home

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HELP ING PEOPLE . CHANGING LIVES .PAGE 11

Last winter Fritz and his wife, Linda, cut a vacation short. They needed to come home and meet with Fritz’s youngest brother, Peter’s neurologist. About five years ago Peter had been seen by a psychiatrist and was diagnosed with agoraphobia. After spending 27 years as a master electrician, Peter was slowly becoming unable to to perform his responsibilities and was diagnosed with a fear of crowds. The family never felt comfortable with this diagnosis but trusted the experts, until that day in the neurologist’s office.

After performing an examination as well as an MRI by another doctor, it was determined that Peter had a rare form of frontotemporal dementia. In most cases dementia patients decline on a more or less steady slope, but for Peter it is more of a stair step affair. Fritz and his sister-in-law Kathy spend each day with Peter, anticipating where the next step will take them. Wanting to keep Peter in familiar surroundings, it was important to the family that Peter stay in his home. For that to happen though, his house would need repair.

Peter’s family reached out to Community Action of Allegan County’s Weatherization Assistance Program for help. The program provides free home energy conservation services to low-income households. Services reduce energy use and lower utility bills. To allow Peter to stay in his home, Community Action installed smoke detectors, a smart thermostat, a high efficiency furnace, carbon monoxide detectors in addition to insulating the attic, installing Visqueen on the crawlspace floor to prevent moisture and sealing off the basement with a new door.

Peter would not have been able to stay in his home if it weren’t for Community Action of Allegan County’s Weatherization Program. The family was thrilled with the work. “The work was excellent and the person who actually oversaw and performed the repair tasks was a Godsend. [Keeping Pete in his home] would have been infinitely more difficult before Community Action stepped in,” recalls Fritz.

The work was

excellent and the person who actually

oversaw and performed the repair tasks was a

Godsend.”

THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE HOME

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PAGE 12

We assist families, individuals and seniors with their basic needs every day through food programs,

emergency utility assistance, transportation, outreach and referrals. More than 70% of all calls made to

the social services helpline 2-1-1 from our community are for basic needs requests with food, shelter

and transportation at the top of the list.

BASIC NEEDS

3,746 HOUSEHOLDS RECEIVED OUTREACH INFORMATION AND REFERRAL SERVICES.

Senior Project FreshAimed at helping older adults eat healthier as they age by providing free nutrition counseling and coupons that can be exchanged for fresh fruits, vegetables, and other healthy foods sold at local farmers markets and roadside stands.151 SENIORS RECEIVED PROJECT FRESH SERVICES.

Home Delivered MealsNutritious hot, frozen or cold meals are delivered to homebound seniors. Our drivers provide needed contact and monitor the health and welfare of seniors on a routine basis.89,032 MEALS WERE DELIVERED TO 474 HOMEBOUND SENIORS.

Crisis Utility AssistanceAssists income eligible households by providing payment of metered and deliverable fuel costs in order to support health, wellness and financial stability.155 FAMILIES RECEIVED CRISIS UTILITY ASSISTANCE.

Early Education Nutrition Head Start and Early Head Start provide healthy, nutritious meals in the classrooms inclusive of breakfast, lunch, and afternoon snack.75,680 MEALS WERE SERVED TO CHILDREN AGED 0-5 IN THE 2018-2019 SCHOOL YEAR.

The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) Supplements families and individuals experiencing income challenges by providing emergency food and nutrition assistance. Free food is distributed every 3 months to eligible households.2,888 HOUSEHOLDS RECEIVED GROCERIES AT OURQUARTERLY FOOD COMMODITY DAYS.

Senior TransportationConsistent, reliable access to transportation is essential to meet basic needs and ensure quality of life. Our volunteer drivers transport seniors to appointments for medical, legal, nutritional or social purposes. VOLUNTEER DRIVERS PROVIDED 46 SENIORS DOOR TO DOOR TRANSPORTATION AND 633 RIDES.

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HELP ING PEOPLE . CHANGING LIVES .PAGE 13

3,746 HOUSEHOLDS RECEIVED OUTREACH INFORMATION AND REFERRAL SERVICES.

Low-income families with insurance struggle to find accepting providers and face challenges to pay for

care. Allegan County has a low number of primary care physicians and dentists per capita with 17% of

the population having no healthcare provider and 12% having no access due to cost.

ACCESS TO HEALTH

CHILD HEALTH SCREENINGSOur Early Education Programs provide development screenings and medical exams, including vision,

hearing, physicals, hemoglobin, and blood lead screenings and dental care. Sceenings allow us to

identify potential issues early and refer students to their medical provider for follow-up care. In addition

to medical referrals, our Early Education Children receive medical records assistance and appointment

reminders.

372 children received

development screenings

293 children received all medical

screenings

246 children received dental care

40+ STUDENTS WERE IDENTIFIED AS NEEDING FOLLOW-UP CARE AS A RESULT OF OUR DENTAL AND

VISION SCREENINGS.

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92% OF ELIGIBLE CHILDREN WERE AT OR BELOW POVERTY GUIDELINES.

Additionally...

2% were foster children

1% received public assistance

4% were homeless

...and just 1% were over-income.

328 FAMILIES SERVED

84% of parents had a high school degree or higher.

57% were single parent families

and 43% were two parent households.

311 FAMILIES RECEIVED TRAININGIncluding adult education, mental health, health

education, parenting education and crisis intervention.

62 students had a

diagnosed disability and received

additional supports

Early care and education is vital to long term educational success

in children. The barriers preventing parents from receiving quality

childcare and early education are attributed to social and

economic conditions facing families. 22% of children

under the age of 5 in Allegan are living in poverty.

Our Early Education Services programs provide quality

comphrensive education and health services to over

350 children in Allegan County. Most of our sites

provide transportation to assist families who are

unable to transport their children to the program.

Both programs are offered to families tuition free.

Early Education Services received a fiscal review through the new Federal monitoring protocol. Both programs were 100% compliant in all content areas. Results for CLASS (an observation instrument developed to assess classroom quality and child/adult interaction in preschool through third grade) were above the 2015 national program average in three domains; emotional and instructional support and classroom organization.

EARLY EDUCATION

96% of Early Head

Start Students reached educational proficiency

93% of Head Start

Students reached educationalproficiency

139,645 miles traveled

and 178 children transported by our

buses

LAST YEAR WE SERVED 373 CHILDREN.

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HELP ING PEOPLE . CHANGING LIVES .PAGE 15

CREATING A LIFE OF INDEPENDENCEOne afternoon Chaela and her daughters happened to be at Wayland Park the same day as a CAAC Early Head Start Playgroup. She noticed the different activities the group was doing and immediately became interested. After learning more, she decided to complete an application for the Early Head Start Home Based program. Once completing the approval process, her children Indigo and Wren were enrolled in the program.

The family has participated in the weekly home visits using the Parents as Teachers and Conscious Discipline curricula. They also attend playgroups throughout the county. Along with her partner Bailey, Chaela works hard to accomplish the goals set for themselves. Chaela’s first self-identified goal was to obtain a stable job making more money. Chaela accomplished this goal and works for Perrigo full-time, with a benefits package.

Another goal set by the family was money management. Bailey and Chaela use a budget workbook and sit down together regularly to discuss upcoming bills. They started to track their spending habits and have regained control of their finances. While they are still working on paying off student loans, most of their debt has been paid off and bills are being paid on time, eliminating late fees. They use a shopping list and use

coupons to eliminate unnecessary spending.

The family now has an emergency savings fund and feel more secure with their finances. “The program doesn’t only help your kids learn. It offers so much more! You have help finding so many resources whether that is help with paying your bills or parenting classes,” said Chaela.

Both Bailey and Chaela share responsibilities in teaching their children. They read to the girls and set aside time for learning every day. They have learned that you can make everyday activities fun and a learning opportunity. By following a routine, the girls’ behavior improved as they now know what is expected and have something to look forward to.

Their Home Visitor, Lisa Stanford looks forward to their weekly visits together. “One of the best feelings for me is going to their home and having the girls run up to the door smiling to greet me, ready to learn and play. It is an honor to partner with Chaela and Bailey”.

The program doesn’t only help your kids learn. It offers so much more! You have

help finding so many resources whether that is help with paying your bills or parenting classes.”

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The Dual Community Development Program (DCDP) is rooted in community strength and commitment to

workforce, economic, and community development. From 2000 to 2009, Michigan lost 43% of its skilled

trades workforce. This equates to roughly 60,000 workers exiting the industry without replacement. With

this many roles left unfilled there are numerous opportunities for entry level and skilled individuals who

are interested in the construction workforce. This deficit of skilled trades workers has directly affected the

availability of affordable housing in many communities. DCDP seeks to address both issues with its unique

blend of training and community service.

The duality of this initiative, Skilled Trades Education and Affordable Housing, are the key pillars of the Dual

Community Development Program, an innovative new project created by Community Action of Allegan

County. With program goals meant to engage adult learners in hands on skilled trades training, pathway

graduates of the program to high demand living wage employment opportunities, and by using construction

training as labor in building affordable housing that is accessible by low to moderate income households the

Dual Community Development Program successes will be wins for communities across Allegan County as the

program promotes Community and Economic Development.

DUAL COMMUNITYDEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

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HELP ING PEOPLE . CHANGING LIVES .PAGE 17

The core of the DCDP is the Pre-Apprenticeship Certified

Training (PACT), a Department of Labor recognized, nationally

accepted certification and educational curriculum that prepares

students for careers in the building trades. The program is

20% classroom training, and 80% hands-on learning which

focuses on actual home construction and remodeling projects.

As the building trades experiences a continued significant

shortage of skilled workers, and a high demand for housing and

construction, strong employment opportunities in jobs with

above living wage compensation are abundant. Students are

prepared to meet this industry need by an in depth classroom

learning opportunity coupled with hands-on field training in

constructing energy efficient affordable homes or completing

home rehabilitation projects in Allegan County.

While receiving their training, PACT students assist in the construction of affordable housing units in Allegan

County. Units allow a family of four earning just over $53,000 a year, or what is considered a “survival

budget” in Allegan County, to have a choice between inadequate, unhealthy, and unsafe housing or an

affordable new safe beginning

to meet their housing needs.

The program’s goal of a 100

days from project start to finish,

allows families to find stability

in their housing situation and

work toward sustainability and

self-sufficiency as soon as

possible.

SKILLED TRADES

AFFORDABLE HOUSING

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BUILDING A BRIGHTER FUTURE

Lives can be changed by creating viable solutions like affordable

housing and promoting a healthy and safe community. We can be part of

the solution! This is what happens when a community comes together!”

Roger and Michele Bird met while serving in the Air Force, stationed in West Germany prior to the fall of the Berlin Wall. It changed their lives, they grew up and came to faith while serving their country. After graduating from college in Ohio, Roger and Michele moved to Detroit, and then to the west side of the state. The opportunity to move to Allegan came in the form of starting their church in 2008. Allegan is by far their favorite city. Michele says; “It’s a little city that doesn’t know its a little city”.

In 2017, Roger and Michele Bird became fed up with working just to pay their mortgage. They knew that if they could downsize to something more aligned with their life goals and affordable, they’d be able to live so much more. In the fall of 2018, The Bird’s met with Community Action of Allegan County (CAAC) and found the solution they were looking for through our Dual Community Development Program (DCDP).

With the Bird’s desire for a highly-functional home that speaks to their willingness and passion to positively impact the community, it was apparent how the Birds and CAAC’s visions dovetailed together, and construction on the first ever DCDP House began, given the nickname, “The Bird House.”

These visions partnered with the experience of Macatawa Homes’ General Contractor for the project, Matt Zomerlei, Owner/Operator of

Macatawa Homes and a Marine Corps Veteran, with over 25 years of industry experience. Matt became involved in the program after hearing about the mission of DCDP. Matt sees affordable housing as a necessary piece of the construction industry. “I want to live in a world where everyone has a decent place to live. It doesn’t seem right to live in a first world nation with continuing third

world challenges.”

DCDP’s ingenuity and fresh take on addressing affordable housing excites Matt. “It can be frustrating as a builder at times to see that we continue to apply the same methods we have for years in housing affordability and expect different results.”

The Bird House began construction in January

and was completed in May 2019. Both Roger and Michele agree, “It’s a great dream! To actually see that lives can be changed by creating viable solutions like affordable housing and promoting a healthy and safe community. We can be part of the solution! This is what happens when a community comes together!”

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HELP ING PEOPLE . CHANGING LIVES .PAGE 19

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

OPERATION EXPENSESEducation Programs $ 5,132,703 77.68%

Health Programs $ 559,358 8.47%

Housing Programs $ 373,910 5.66%

Administrative Costs $ 292,305 4.42%

Community Programs $ 249,357 3.77%

Total $ 6,607,633

REVENUEFederal Grants $ 4,970,824 75.07%

In Kind $ 948,372 14.32%

Local Grants $ 273,259 4.13%

State Grants $ 263,394 3.98%

Private Contribution $ 71,000 1.07%

Program Income $ 94,938 1.43%

Total $ 6,621,787

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REACH OUT TO US:communityactionallegan.org

[email protected]

323 Water Street Allegan, MI 49010

/communityactionallegan@commactionalleg